Our Favorite Places to Grab A Tasty Bite In Eatonville

Community PostJuly 12, 2018

If you’re on your way to Mt. Rainier or just looking to explore, the Eatonville area is a charming place offering great food! From breakfast croissants to steaks, we have you covered for places to eat in Eatonville!

“I love stopping by Cottage Bakery and Cafe on my way up to the mountain! If you are going through early, you can stop in for a breakfast croissant with bacon or ham and cheddar with egg that's toasted until melty!” says Stacey. “If I'm heading through a bit later, I LOVE their Cottage Turkey Cranberry Sandwich—it's amazing!”

The lunch menu features popular coffees and smoothies in addition to soups, salads, sandwiches and paninis, all made to order, with special accommodations for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diners.

Linda Solheim agrees that this is a spot you won’t want to miss. It’s the ever-changing variety of donuts, cinnamon rolls, turnovers, brownies, individual cheesecakes and cannoli that keep those with a sweet tooth coming back. You can even special order cakes, pies and cupcakes!

“Amazing baked goods,” Linda says.

Dine at one of the picnic tables outside during the warmer months and enjoy views of Mt. Rainier from under the umbrella. If it’s a classic Pacific Northwest day, hunker down inside where there’s cozy seating plus a loft with additional seating and toys to keep the kids busy.

Stacey’s insider tip: Stock up on a few sweet treats to snack on while hiking.

Early in the day, there’s a breakfast option to suit just about anyone, and the variety continues through lunch and dinner. While it’s the home of The Big "E" Burger, the Cruiser Cafe menu features a variety of burgers, including a vegetarian option, plus salads, sandwiches and wraps, pasta, steaks and comfort food like meatloaf and pot roast.

If you’re a fan of New York style hand tossed pizza, then Varsity Pizza might just be the place for you! Linda Solheim calls this place a local favorite, and if you take a peek at the menu you won’t need to wonder why. You’ll find a variety of specialty pizzas plus a create-your-own option, all with gluten-free options. East Coast sandwich fans will be happy to see toasted grinders on the menu, and you’ll also find appetizers, salads, and wings in several flavors.

Where’s a hungry hiker to grab a bite after a long day on the trails? Maggie Schauble has an answer for you: Bruno’s Family Restaurant & Bar.

“Their burgers are delicious! I love the blue cheese and bacon,” says Maggie. “Fried seafood options are also very tasty. They even have chicken fried steak!”

One of the things that puts Bruno’s on Maggie’s list is the variety. You can scroll through their extensive menu here. If you can’t find a burger to tempt your taste buds, then you’re just not looking hard enough. Choose from angus, elk, buffalo, chicken or veggie burger options.

The Bruno’s name comes from the owners’ 150-pound rescue dog, so, of course, you’re welcome to invite your own canine companion to join you on the dog-friendly patio. And in the spirit of so many that call our region home, Bruno’s makes an effort to use natural products, recycle and buy local whenever possible.

Added bonus: Place your order online, then head to the back window for pick-up!

“If you’re up for a drive up above Eatonville, on the way to Mt. Rainier, check out the Highlander Steakhouse!” suggests Linda Solheim.

Ready to hit the trails early? The Highlander has you covered! And with droves of hungry tourists making their way home from the trails of Mt. Rainier National Park every summer, the Highlander expands its seasonal menu to include steaks, made to order pizzas, and fresh, locally-grown garden salads.